Backstage

The RLPO were making their own preparations. Classic FM's Jane Jones spoke to Ian Tracey, Chorus Master of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir. He was keen to point out that the Liverpool Philharmonic's choir was actually formed before the orchestra 175 years ago. "The choir are very sensitive about the fact that they came first and the orchestra came second," Tracey said. Listen to the full interview by clicking 'play' below.

Mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudge, one of tonight's soloists, is Liverpool born-and-bred. "Live music in general is such a big thing to Liverpool. There's such a great history of it here and this is a world-class orchestra."

Maestro Petrenko

Jane also ambushed Chief Conductor Vasily Petrenko on his way to his dressing room. He told her of the Beethoven piece his orchestra will be playing tonight: "Ode to Joy - what can be more joyful on such an anniversary?" Hear the full interview by clicking 'play' below.

And if you were in any doubt as to the importance of Beethoven's Ninth - the climax of tonight's concert - then Barry Cooper, professor of music at Manchester University, was there to explain to Jane Jones (accompanied by some background double bass): "This was the first time we'd had a choral finale to a symphony. To have a symphony which has a choir in it was completely novel."

The performance

Surprise! As the RLPO took to the stage, we learned that the orchestra would begin the concert with a bonus piece: Rossini’s Fair is the Bride, which was played at their first concert on 12 March 1840.

And, two hours later, what was the verdict?

Brilliant birthday concert by @liverpoolphil . Thx to @ClassicFM for the broadcast (& support for the RLPO). Here's to 175 more years.